I went to the Hirst exhibition more out of curiosity than conviction and perhaps the only draw was the huge shark. However I was quickly drawn into thI went to the Hirst exhibition more out of curiosity than conviction and perhaps the only draw was the huge shark. However I was quickly drawn into the whole experience. The dot paintings that resolved a very simple design issue for me. How to display varied seemingly unconnected colours. Simple white background. Hirst wanted to control the colours and not the other way round. An amusign concept at least if you've ever attempted painting. The butterly paintings were exquisite: life and death, colour, symmetry, cold and warm, obviously referencing stain glass windows of cathedrals past. And the sheer scale. Row upon row of purposed objects. I always enjoy repetion. Cigarette butts. Diamonds. Almost as far as the eye couple. The room full of large live butterflies living out their life cycles was utterly beautiful.This book catalogs the exhibits and provides some critical analysis.If nothing else Hirst is very much a man of this time and his work is commentary on main stream Western culture for the 70s to date....more